Muscular Dystrophy Canada is a nonprofit whose mission is to enhance the lives of those affected with neuromuscular disorders by continually working to provide ongoing support and resources while relentlessly searching for a cure through well funded research.

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Not Another Me

I saw Lindsay Ell – an amazing performer from Calgary, Alberta – perform for the first time as one of the opening acts for The Band Perry in Oshawa, Ontario. As soon as she said the words, “muscular dystrophy,” I sat straight up. Having only been working at the National office of Muscular Dystrophy Canada for just over three months at the time, I knew most of the general public had either not heard of muscular dystrophy, or did not know what is was. But there Lindsay was, telling a sold out Oshawa Centre about her friend who is affected by muscular dystrophy.

Me, Lindsay, and my friend Tara

At the end of her set, Lindsay told the crowd that she would be doing a meet and greet – I knew I had to be there. I was second in line, and told her about how much I loved that song and that I worked for Muscular Dystrophy Canada and would love to share the song with all of you. Lindsay was so gracious, sweet and excited to have the opportunity to have you all hear the song and to tell you a little bit more about the meaning behind it. I had the opportunity to ask her some questions:

Q: Tell me about your friend.

A: A sweet friend of mine has muscular dystrophy and honestly has one of the most beautiful hearts I’ve ever met in my life. She is so honest, funny, generous, and is completely full of natural inner/outer beauty. She is one of my biggest supporters and fans of my music. I met her through friends of the music industry, and her passion for music is completely infectious. She is a constant reminder of how we take the little things in life for granted.

What did writing this song mean to you?

A: This song is really special to me, because I firmly believe regardless of who you are or what you’re doing in life, self confidence is such an important thing and a quality that is so easily damaged in a society like we have today. Especially with youth these days, there is so much pressure on them to act/look a certain way. So I really want this song to constantly be a reminder of how much you should value yourself and your self worth, knowing that regardless of what is thrown to you in life, that you can handle and deal with it.

What are your feelings towards being a part of your friend’s support group? What does being a member of a support group mean to you?

A: I am very proud to be a part of her support group, as I feel that everyone needs people they can count on in life. We all have good and bad days in the crazy lives we lead, and therefore surrounding yourself with individuals that can help you navigate through those tough times is crucial. I think that everyone in life needs to have those few select people that they keep close. One of my closest friends told me that you have your ‘postcard people.’ Those are 5 (or so) select people in life that you know you can count on to always be honest, be there for you, and have your back no matter what.

What do you hope people take away after listening to “Not Another Me?”

A: I hope that people take away a little glimpse of my personality and who I am from ‘Not Another Me.’ I hope that they can see my heart through the song, and see my passion for music and for ultimately wanting to help make a difference on a bigger level.

Watch Lindsay perform the song Not Another Me and explain the meaning behind it in Oslo, Norway: